The Lords of Salem (2012)

Friday the 13th is always a great day to watch horror flicks. While I usually try to watch some type of slasher, likely featuring Jason Voorhees or another classic serial killer, I decided to change things up this week. One reason is my frustration with the brakes on my car, which decided to go out during my 40-mile drive home, what fun! After the stressful drive, I decided to venture into something new that I have not watched yet, the 2012 Rob Zombie flick The Lords of Salem!

Plot/ Heidi, a radio DJ, is sent a box containing a record -- a "gift from the Lords." The sounds within the grooves trigger flashbacks of her town's violent past. Is Heidi going mad, or are the Lords back to take revenge on Salem, Massachusetts?

This movie will be a very polarizing flick for horror fans. Written and directed by Rob Zombie, this may be one of the most incoherent and psychedelic flicks I have seen in some time. Yet, even with the non-linear structure, there is so much to love about this tremendously visual flick.  The storyline, the soundtrack, the cast, the artistic interpretation; really everything worked. Yes, there was a lack of detailed characterization and some of the back-story was only touched on, but that does not matter. Unfortunately, this one will definitely not be for everyone, as the combination of Devil-worshiping witchcraft and art-house feel will turn some off, especially if they are searching for a gorefest. In the end, I feel this one is a movie that must be seen as it is not the typical flick created by Zombie. In fact, next to The Devils Rejects, this may be his best work. That being said, it is also understandable for people, even some Rob Zombie fans, to hate this flick; it is definitely an independent film that will divide opinions.